SOMATIC THERAPIST IN PASADENA & CALIFORNIA

SOMATIC THERAPY

A method focused on freeing stored trauma, tension, stress, and shock from the body.

Woman laying down with eyes closed | Somatic Therapy for Women in California

The mind can rationalize and bypass certain truths, but the body holds onto every experience, telling a deeper, much more authentic story of its own.

If traditional talk therapy hasn’t led to the changes you’ve been seeking—or if you’re ready to go deeper in your healing journey—you’re in the right place. Somatic therapy involves slowing down and tuning into the physical sensations that emerge as we discuss your experiences. It asks, 'How does it feel?' rather than, 'What do you think it means?'—helping you understand what your body is communicating and allowing you to process deep emotions on a physical level.

Light tan linen design | Somatic Experiencing

A BODY-CENTERED APPROACH TO HEALING TRAUMA

What is Somatic Experiencing® and how does it work?

WHAT IT IS

Somatic Experiencing® (SE) is a therapeutic approach designed to help individuals process and heal from trauma by reconnecting with the body’s natural ability to self-regulate and release stored tension. Developed by Dr. Peter Levine in the 1970s, SE draws from biology, psychology, and neuroscience, focusing on the body’s innate capacity to recover from overwhelming experiences.

HOW IT WORKS

Unlike traditional talk therapy, which primarily engages the mind, Somatic Experiencing® emphasizes the physical sensations associated with traumatic memories, enabling a deeper connection between mind and body. This method is especially effective for treating trauma, as it gently guides individuals to release stored energy and tension, promoting a sense of relaxation and nervous-system regulation in the body. Over time, this approach can alleviate symptoms of chronic stress, anxiety, and illness, helping clients feel more grounded and resilient.

WHERE IT CAME FROM

Dr. Levine’s work was inspired by his observation of how animals in the wild naturally recover from life-threatening situations without lingering trauma. He realized that humans have a similar capacity, but our cultural conditioning often suppresses these natural processes. Somatic Experiencing® aims to restore this lost connection, allowing the body to complete the fight, flight, or freeze responses that were interrupted by trauma, ultimately leading to profound healing and restoring well-being.

If you’re seeking a therapeutic approach that goes beyond traditional methods and taps into the body’s inherent wisdom, Somatic Experiencing® may be the key to unlocking the lasting relief and deeper sense of peace you’re looking for.


Schedule your FREE consultation to learn more and explore whether Somatic Experiencing® is right for you.

WHAT YOU’LL GAIN

Somatic therapy with a Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner can help you:

  • Release stored energy that contributes to anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, or fatigue.

  • Process suppressed emotions and past traumas, reducing frequent triggers.

  • Reconnect with your body, enhancing physical, mental, and emotional presence.

  • Develop an inner witness by rewiring the brain, decreasing dissociation.

  • Identify triggers and learn healthier ways to regulate yourself when they arise.

  • Increase your capacity for connection with yourself and others.

  • Experience more pleasurable sensations and emotions, such as joy and freedom.

  • Alleviate physical tension and related symptoms.

MOMENT OF CLARITY

Is YOUR nervous system dysregulated?


Modern cultural conditioning and chronic stress have led many of us to disconnect and dissociate from our bodies, resulting in nervous system dysregulation that traps us in unhelpful patterns often labeled as 'mental illness.' This dysregulation can manifest as persistent anxiety, depression, overwhelm, chronic tension, chronic physical illness, social isolation, emotional numbness, overreactivity, irritability, exhaustion, insomnia, and more.

By SLOWING DOWN and increasing your capacity to sit with DISCOMFORT, you can break free from past trauma and step into a WHOLE, integrated, and liberated self.

LET’S TAKE THAT JOURNEY TOGETHER


IN-PERSON THERAPY IN PASADENA | VIRTUAL THERAPY IN CALIFORNIA
Somatic Therapy in California • Trauma Therapy in California
Holistic Therapy in California • Psychedelic Therapy in California

TERMS | DISCLAIMER | PRIVACY POLICY | Site credits | © 2024 Clara Ure Mackinlay